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Scott Friesen
Abax Uses AI to Identify, Quantify, and Act on New Revenue Streams for Health Systems and Medical Groups.
Professional Background
Scott Friesen is a mission-driven entrepreneur passionate about using innovative technology to transform health systems and medical groups. He is the founder and CEO of Abax Health, an industry-leading firm that provides AI-powered referral data mining, financial clearance, and patient engagement services. Scott's dedication to tackling healthcare's untapped revenue and patient access challenges underscores his commitment to enhancing the industry's operational efficiency and improving patient outcomes. Under his leadership, Abax Health is at the forefront of addressing complex issues in the healthcare landscape, ensuring that patients receive the care they need, precisely when they need it.
In addition to his role at Abax Health, Scott is the founder and managing director of Westport Health, an early-stage venture capital firm devoted to empowering healthcare founders to realize their visions. This dual role highlights Scott's ability not only to innovate within his own company but also to foster new ideas and initiatives within the broader healthcare ecosystem.
Scott's journey in healthcare entrepreneurship began with the founding of Newport Credentialing Solutions, where he served as CEO. Under his leadership, Newport became the nation’s leading provider of cloud-based credentialing and provider enrollment software. Recognized for its excellence, Newport was ranked #1 in Credentialing by Black Book Research for three consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020). The company efficiently served over 180,000 physician and allied health providers by providing integrated cloud-based software and services. The success of Newport culminated in its acquisition by TractManager in February 2018, followed by a successful transition to symplr in December 2020, marking a significant milestone in Scott's entrepreneurial career.
Education and Achievements
Scott Friesen's educational background is a testament to his dedication to scholarly pursuits and his ability to synthesize complex ideas. He holds a Master of Arts degree in History and Religion from the prestigious Yale University. His undergraduate education includes two Bachelor of Arts degrees—one in History and the other in Philosophy—from Calvin University. This diverse academic foundation enriches Scott's approach to problem-solving and his understanding of the healthcare industry's nuances.
In addition to his formal education, Scott is recognized as an inventor on 14 U.S. patents. This innovative spirit further exemplifies his commitment to technology and how it can be leveraged to drive meaningful change in healthcare. Furthermore, Scott has authored over 25 white papers and thought leadership articles published in leading healthcare technology and revenue cycle industry publications, establishing him as a prominent voice in the discourse surrounding healthcare innovation.
Community Engagement and Professional Relationships
Throughout his career, Scott Friesen has engaged with numerous organizations that reflect his commitment to healthcare and technology. He has served as an advisor at Science House, influencing and guiding innovative startups looking to thrive in the health technology sector. Scott also held roles as Regional Vice President and Assistant Vice President at Apollo Health Street, where he contributed to strategic advancements in healthcare consulting.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a Senior Associate at Stockamp & Associates - a Huron Consulting Group Company and as a consultant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. These experiences have provided him with a robust understanding of the financial and operational facets of healthcare management. As an inventor at Walker Digital, he contributed to pioneering technologies that shape today's tech landscape.
Scott Friesen's multi-faceted career reflects not only his entrepreneurial spirit but his unwavering commitment to improving the healthcare sector. His leadership at Abax Health and Westport Health has placed him at the center of innovation aimed at enhancing patient care through technology. With a wealth of knowledge, proven results, and a relentless drive to create positive change, Scott continues to be a transformative figure in the healthcare landscape.
